Hleb to have Barca medical

Barcelona have confirmed that Arsenal star Alexander Hleb will arrive in Catalunya on Wednesday to undergo a medical, with the Primera Liga giants expecting to wrap up the signing of the Belarus international within 24 hours.

Hleb’s future in North London has been the subject of prolonged debate but his long goodbye from Arsenal is almost complete and he will arrive for a photo call with Barca on Wednesday afternoon, before undergoing the necessary medical examinations.

Josep Guardiola’s side are then expected to announce the signing of the former Stuttgart star on Thursday as Hleb ends a mixed spell at Arsenal.

“The player Alexander Hleb, who has spent the last three seasons at Arsenal, arrives today (Wednesday) to undergo a medical examination before joining FC Barcelona,” read a club statement.

“Assuming that the tests are passed satisfactorily, tomorrow Alexander Hleb could sign the contract and be presented as a new player for FC Barcelona.”

The 27-year-old joined The Gunners for £11.2 million from Stuttgart in 2005 but took his time to settle in his new surroundings and his first two seasons were somewhat temperamental.

Last season he came into his own though, playing a key role in Arsenal’s stunning form in the first half of the campaign before their domestic and European challenge fell apart in March and April.

His future at Arsenal first appeared in doubt when it was alleged he had met with Inter officials on the eve of his club’s Champions League tie against Milan on March 4.

The midfielder also recently claimed that he was unhappy living amongst the hustle and bustle of the English capital and will no doubt appreciate the Spanish siesta lifestyle as he looks for a quieter existence in La Liga.